Ford Explorer ST Sinister Inspired By Owners’ Popular Modifications
What Car Shoppers Need to Know
- Ford is calling new daytime running lights and wheels for the Explorer ST the Sinister Package.
- The performance SUV’s appearance package is due later in 2026.
- Ford is relaunching a free one-day driving school for ST owners.
Ford says that the high-performance ST trim has accounted for 16% of all Explorer sales since the latest generation of the three-row SUV launched for 2020, and in the 2025 model year, the ST accounted for 22% of Explorer sales. With blacked-out appearance packages still maintaining popularity, the automaker has devised one for the Explorer: the ST Sinister Package.
Related: Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a Good 3-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
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Shop the 2026 Ford Explorer near you
Available to order now and arriving in dealerships later in 2026, the ST Sinister Package rides on black 21-inch wheels and sports amber daytime running lights and black-accented ST badging. That’s it. The 21-inch wheels aren’t any larger than the stock wheels on the ST, nor are they wrapped in high-performance rubber, but they do have a different style.
The ST Sinister’s engine is the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that powers the regular Explorer ST. Ford quotes 385 horsepower and 415 pounds-feet of torque. While the 385 hp is 15 horses less than the advertised figure for the current Explorer ST, the downgrade only applies to models sold in states that follow California emissions standards; versions sold in other states will continue with 400 hp.
Getting Schooled
ST Sinister and just plain-old Explorer ST buyers will have a chance to better understand their SUVs with the relaunched Explorer ST Experience. This one-day driving school will travel around the U.S. and is free to buyers of the 2026 and 2027 Explorer ST. School will be in session this fall, with dates and locations to be announced.
Read More About the Ford Explorer:
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